Bhubaneswar: Odisha is fast emerging as a national leader in sustainable urban transport, securing the fifth position in India for the adoption of electric buses (e-buses). With 450 e-buses already operational and plans to cross the 1,000 mark in the coming years, the state is building a robust green mobility ecosystem to make its cities cleaner, smarter, and more commuter-friendly.
Across India, 14,329 e-buses are currently on the roads, with Delhi (3,564), Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850) leading the rankings. Odisha, ranked just behind these major states, has outpaced its eastern neighbours—West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46)—in embracing electric mobility.
The expansion is being supported by the Central Government’s PM-e Bus Service and PM-e-Drive schemes, while Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) is spearheading the rollout. Plans are underway to extend e-bus services beyond Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri to Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Berhampur, and Angul.
To support this growth, charging stations are being set up at depots and terminals, and smart ticketing systems—including QR-based payments, NCMC cards, and app-enabled booking—are being introduced. CRUT is also investing in crew training and capacity building to ensure safe, reliable, and commuter-centric services.
Minister of Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushnachandra Mohapatra, underlined the state’s vision:
“Odisha’s rapid strides in e-mobility reflect our commitment to both the environment and the people. The expansion of e-buses is not just about technology—it is about providing dignified, affordable, and eco-friendly travel to every citizen. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, our endeavour is to build urban centres that are cleaner, greener, and sustainable for future generations.”
Principal Secretary, H&UD, Usha Padhee, emphasised the role of planning and technology:
“E-bus services have become the backbone of modern urban transport in Odisha. By combining technology, smart ticketing, and green infrastructure, we are making mobility both convenient and sustainable. The enthusiastic response of commuters shows that Odisha is moving in the right direction—towards a future where public transport is the preferred choice.”
Currently, e-buses in Odisha have gained popularity among commuters in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, where affordable AC rides are encouraging citizens to shift from private vehicles to public transport.
With its expanding fleet, Odisha is also aligning with NITI Aayog’s national target of 50,000 e-buses, contributing to India’s climate commitments while addressing the transport needs of its growing urban population. Backed by strong policy support and central funding, Odisha is on track to become a model state for green mobility in India.
